Earlier today, NASA live-streamed their initial, while basic, analysis of the Bennu asteroid sample. They released that the asteroid was rich in carbon-containing compounds and water (more specifically, water-bearing clay).
This supports a theory about the origins of life on our planet, that when the Earth was very young (up to a billion years old), asteroids similar to Bennu crashed into the surface, bringing water thus making our planet habitable.
As groundbreaking as this analysis is, there is still much to learn from this sample. While collecting the sample, the robotic arm (TAGSAM) clogged with extra bits from Bennu, meaning that over eight ounces (227 grams) were brought back from the asteroid (more than the expected two ounces). Scientists at NASA are carefully cleaning the capsule, trying to salvage as much rock and dust as possible.
Sections of the sample are to be sent to other researchers around the world for deeper analysis. Results from those independent studies will be released upon publication.
Space Savvy 
Leave a comment